Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the state would work with the Federal Government to speed up renewable-energy projects, remove implementation bottlenecks and improve electricity access.
Key takeaways
- Otti expects progress on a renewable-energy programme covering 10 states within 14 days.
- He committed to activating existing federal agreements and addressing unresolved operational issues.
- The Rural Electrification Agency is deploying 1,000 mini-grids across Nigeria.
- Federal authorities have surveyed the country to locate communities in need of rural power projects.
- Parts of Abia experienced a six-day blackout linked to inadequate gas supplies for Aba Power Limited.
Abia seeks faster energy-project delivery
Otti made the pledge on Thursday during a visit to the Abia State Government House by officials of the Rural Electrification Agency, or REA, alongside representatives of other federal bodies.
The governor said his administration would clear pending operational obstacles and put previously signed arrangements with the Federal Government into effect, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits to Abia residents.
He indicated that developments could come quickly, saying the state would provide an update within two weeks. Otti identified the renewable-energy initiative involving 10 states as the most immediately achievable opportunity and urged stakeholders to watch for results during that period.
Federal mini-grid programme
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu said the Federal Government had completed a nationwide mapping exercise to determine which communities require rural electrification.
He added that 1,000 mini-grid systems were being installed in different states as part of efforts to address persistent electricity-supply problems.
The push for additional power comes as Abia’s State House of Assembly expressed concern over a six-day electricity outage affecting parts of the state. The disruption was tied to a gas-supply shortfall involving Aba Power Limited.
